Administration of North and East Syria welcomes thousands of refugees amid conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) continues to receive Syrian refugees returning from Lebanon, as well as Lebanese citizens fleeing the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

According to the DAARNES’s Crisis Cell, which handles migrant affairs, approximately 18,500 people have arrived in the region so far. Among them are Syrian returnees and Lebanese nationals. The majority of the arrivals are heading either to their homes or to relatives in the area. For those without a place to stay, designated shelter centers provide temporary accommodation.

Lily Carlisle, spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iraq, stated that the Iraqi government is also playing a key role in receiving and hosting Lebanese refugees. Iraq has recently seen an influx of over 6,500 Lebanese, many of whom have entered via the Al-Qaim border crossing, or through Baghdad and Najaf airports. Carlisle emphasized that UNHCR is currently focused on gathering information on the new arrivals to assess their needs, coordinating efforts with Iraqi government sources and UNHCR staff.

Both regions are facing increased pressure as they strive to provide essential services, including health and education, to those fleeing the ongoing war.